Our Story
A story of loss, hope, advocacy, and victims helping victims.
Regardless of where MOVA has been situated—whether around household kitchen tables or in an office building—the dedicated volunteers and staff have always been the heart of the organization.
Born from Loss. Built on Hope.
In the late 1990s, as Manitoba's Victims' Bill of Rights was being developed, families who had experienced the devastating loss of a loved one through homicide were invited to share their experiences and help shape the legislation.
One of those voices belonged to Darlene Rempel, whose son, Paul, had been murdered. Through her involvement, she recognized significant gaps in the support available to victims and their families, as well as a lack of public awareness surrounding their unique needs.
In 2000, the same year the Manitoba Victims' Bill of Rights became law, Darlene joined with other survivors of serious crime to establish the Manitoba Organization for Victim Assistance (MOVA) as a registered Canadian charity.
Victims Helping Victims
Only someone who has walked this path can truly understand its weight.
MOVA was built on the belief that survivors can offer hope, understanding, and strength to one another.
Our Logo
Our logo focuses on the mission of MOVA, “victims helping victims”. The three figures form a unified force that represents the strength derived from the understanding, compassion and support of others. The sphere is a strong shape that symbolizes a continuum of hope and resources for victims of crime. It is also a protective symbol, and the openings in the sphere suggest an organization that welcomes new people.
Growing With Purpose
In its early years, MOVA operated from the homes and kitchen tables of dedicated volunteers whose passion and lived experience became the foundation of the organization.
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In 2009, with support from Justice Canada and The Winnipeg Foundation, MOVA opened its first office on Osborne Street. In 2015, the organization relocated to its current location at 580 Main Street.
While our location has changed over the years, one thing has remained constant: the people are the heart of MOVA. Many of our volunteers, staff, and members have experienced the loss of a loved one to homicide themselves, bringing empathy, understanding, and compassion to every family they support.
2000
MOVA Founded
Victims helping victims begins.
2006
Family Room
Safe space created at Winnipeg Law Courts.
2009
First Office
MOVA opens its first permanent office.
2015
Federal Impact
Contributions help shape Canada's Federal Victims Bill of Rights.
Today
Looking Ahead
Continuing to support families throughout Manitoba.
Advocating For Change
MOVA has worked alongside victims, survivors, and justice partners to strengthen support systems and advance meaningful improvements for those affected by homicide.
In 2006, MOVA worked alongside Manitoba Justice to help establish a private family room inside Winnipeg's Law Courts. Spearheaded by then-President Val McCaffrey, the space was created to give families of homicide victims a quiet, private place to step away from the courtroom during emotionally difficult proceedings. Today, the room continues to provide comfort, dignity, and support for families navigating the criminal justice system—a lasting reminder that even small changes can have a profound impact.
Val McCaffrey served as President of MOVA from 2004 to 2007. During her leadership she worked closely with Manitoba Justice to establish a private family room inside the Winnipeg Law Courts. Although Val passed away after battling ovarian cancer in 2010, her compassion and advocacy continue to inspire MOVA's work today.
Founding member Floyd Wiebe, whose son T.J. was murdered, became a respected advocate for victims across Canada. In 2013, he was invited to Ottawa to provide input into the development of Canada's Federal Victims Bill of Rights alongside other victims and government leaders. He also served on the Steering Committee for the Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime, helping shape recommendations that influenced national legislation. Floyd's advocacy ensured that the voices and experiences of victims' families helped create lasting change—not only in Manitoba, but across the country.